Iran’s Crackdown: Fears of 1980’s-Style Repression Resurface

Updated by Faith Barbara N Ruhinda at 1507 EAT on Wednesday 24 September 2025

The UK has deported four men back to France under a migrant-swap scheme signed with France in July, with the deal aiming to deter migrants from making risky sea crossings. The one-in-one-out agreement allows the UK to deport migrants who crossed the Channel in small boats in exchange for accepting asylum seekers with valid family reunification claims in the UK.

Only four individuals have been deported to France since the scheme’s introduction, falling short of the initial target of 50 migrants per week.

The deal has faced legal hurdles, with some deportees winning court rulings to block their removal.

Experts argue that the scheme may not effectively deter migrants, as many are desperate enough to attempt the crossing regardless.

The UK expects to receive migrants from France in return, with the goal of providing a safe and legal alternative for those with family connections in the UK

The UK’s “one-in-one-out” migrant deal with France has seen limited success, with only four individuals deported to France since its introduction in July. The agreement allows the UK to return migrants who crossed the English Channel in small boats in exchange for accepting asylum seekers with valid family reunification claims from France.

Just four men have been deported to France under the deal, falling short of the initial target of exchanging 50 migrants per week.A fifth man, an Eritrean national, has won a High Court ruling temporarily blocking his deportation, citing concerns over his treatment in France.

Criticism and Concerns: Experts argue that the scheme may not effectively deter migrants, as many are desperate enough to attempt the crossing regardless. Critics also question the fairness and humanity of the deal, highlighting the complexities of international border management ¹.

Background:The deal aims to reduce small boat crossings by providing a safe and legal route for asylum seekers with family connections in the UK. However, human rights groups have raised concerns about the potential negative impact on vulnerable migrants. The UK and France have agreed to review the deal’s effectiveness, but its success will depend on how well both countries adhere to the agreement.

The UK and France have signed a “one-in-one-out” migration deal aimed at reducing the number of asylum seekers crossing the English Channel. Here’s how it works.

Key Components:
- France will accept asylum seekers who crossed to the UK without proving family connections.
- For each migrant France takes back, the UK will grant asylum to one migrant from France with proven family connections.
Goals:
- Encourage those with UK connections to wait for safe and legal routes rather than risking Channel crossings.
- Discourage those without connections from attempting the journey.
Expert Opinions:
- Some experts question the deal’s effectiveness in deterring determined migrants.
- Critics argue that the deal may not reduce arrivals significantly, as people smugglers could find alternative routes.
Implementation:
- The deal emerged from a bilateral summit between UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron in July.
- It aims to provide a more controlled and humane migration system.

Challenges and Concerns

Legal Hurdles: The deal has faced legal challenges, with some deportations blocked due to claims of modern slavery and trafficking.
Effectiveness: The UK has deported only a few migrants to France so far, falling short of the initial target of exchanging 50 migrants per week.
Criticism: Human rights groups have raised concerns about the potential negative impact on vulnerable migrants.

Invest or Donate towards HICGI New Agency Global Media Establishment – Watch video here